Army chefs from Colchester’s 3rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, have gone above and beyond this Christmas, serving up a three-course meal for residents and staff at the Colchester Engagement & Next Steps (CENS) centre.
The festive feast, made possible by more than £600 raised through a coffee morning and a sponsored walk in the Lake District, also included thoughtful gifts such as jumpers and toiletries for the centre’s residents.
Corporal Ben Waller, one of the chefs involved, highlighted the significance of the event:
“Christmas is about giving, and this is us giving our time and skills to help people in need. I know people who have had issues with homelessness, so I can understand some of the challenges the residents are facing. It feels good to be able to do our bit and show the residents that people care about them.”
The partnership between Merville Barracks and CENS has spanned nearly a decade, with the annual Christmas meal becoming a cherished tradition. Marina Woodrow, the manager of CENS, described the event as “the highlight of our calendar.”
“Christmas can be difficult for homeless people, particularly those who are apart from their families, and this event brings everyone together and gives a real sense of community,” she said. “It shows our residents that the wider community cares about them, and that feeling is something that stays with them. People that we’ve helped often come back to visit, and the Army Christmas meal is always something they remember.”
Private Arron Dann, who was part of the team serving this year, said:
“I cooked last Christmas and was really keen to come again. It’s a nice way to do something good in the community, and talking to the residents gives me a different perspective on life. Having a hot meal every day and being with my family for special occasions is something that I take for granted, but not everyone has that. It’s very rewarding to help people going through a rough patch in their lives.”
The heartfelt efforts of the chefs didn’t go unnoticed, with the meal ending in a round of applause from the residents. Charlie, one of the attendees, described the night as “lovely, 10/10!”
“The food was great and there was a wonderful atmosphere around the table – it gave me a good old-fashioned Christmas feeling,” he said. “It’s nice that the soldiers come here and do this, and they are very friendly and interested in us.
“CENS has helped me through my issues, and I’m moving into a flat soon – it’s onwards and upwards for me. I am looking at joining the Royal Navy, and seeing the guys in uniform coming here to help us is a real inspiration.”
This annual event not only brings festive joy to those in need but also serves as a reminder of the power of community and the selfless dedication of the British Army.
For British Army News go to: https://www.army.mod.uk/news/
Photo: For illustration purposes only.
